Daily Devotions - Wednesday, October 1

Continuous Quality Improvement

“Our values state that we will provide compassionate health care services through quality improvement. Part of continuous quality improvement is investigating ways we can better serve our community by keeping our facilities up-to-date.”
--Dennis Dawes, president/ CEO of Hendricks Regional Health

Can something (a program, a department, an employee, an institution, a service, etc.) that is evaluated as delivering a quality “product” improve? If something is labeled as having “new, improved quality”, is it possible for continuous refinement and improvement of the “product”?

The above quote from the president of a health care organization suggests that no matter the quality of the services delivered, there is always the possibility of improvement. By learning how to examine each and every action within our specific workplace, we open the door for continuous quality improvement.

Some days it is pretty easy to come to the workplace and go through the routines of the shift. Why not add a question to the normal rhythms of the day. Add a question like “Might there be a better way of doing or saying or performing this task?” Or “Is there the possibility of making a minor (or major) change in the delivery of service, thereby creating a better finished product?”

This is the work called “continuous quality improvement.” I believe that such answers come to us when we listen for the Holy One to inspire us.

“Let your light shine before others,
so that they may see your good works
and give glory to God.”
--Jesus, as recorded by Matthew (5:16)

A Prayer: Holy God, teach me to be more attentive to the importance of continuous quality improvement. Amen.

Ben Keckler
10.01.08